Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects

The Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects grant program, offered through the Bureau of Reclamation under the U.S. Department of the Interior, supports local water conservation initiatives aimed at enhancing water supply reliability across the Western United States and U.S. Territories. As part of the broader WaterSMART initiative, this funding opportunity seeks to facilitate on-the-ground projects that implement proven water-saving methods. Reclamation encourages cost-shared investments in infrastructure improvements to address regional water management concerns and promote long-term water sustainability. This program targets eligible entities with water or power delivery authority, including States, Tribes, irrigation and water districts, and local authorities, collectively known as Category A applicants. Additionally, nonprofit conservation organizations, identified as Category B applicants, may also apply in partnership with a Category A entity. The eligibility is geographically restricted to the Western states and select U.S. Territories as defined under the Reclamation Act of 1902. Projects must align with local or regional water planning documents and demonstrate tangible benefits such as reducing spills, seepage, over-delivery, or outdoor water use. Applicants may request up to $125,000 in federal funds per project, which must be matched at a minimum 1:1 ratio by non-federal contributions, except for projects in certain U.S. territories where matching requirements may be waived. Projects must not exceed a total cost of $250,000 and must be completed within a two-year period. Acceptable activities include canal lining, municipal metering upgrades, SCADA automation, flow measurement improvements, and landscape irrigation enhancements such as turf removal or smart controller installation. Ineligible uses include building construction, pilot studies, land acquisition, indoor appliance upgrades, and on-farm irrigation improvements. Applications are submitted via Grants.gov and must include completed SF-424 and SF-424A forms, a project narrative limited to 15 pages, and a budget narrative. Additional documents such as letters of support, partnership letters (for Category B), and conflict-of-interest disclosures may be required. Applicants must also be registered in SAM.gov and have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Compliance with all federal environmental and cultural regulations is mandatory, and construction may not commence until 12 months post-submission deadline and after receiving a Notice to Proceed. Submissions for this opportunity close on June 2, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. MDT. Selected applicants will be notified around December 2025, and awarded projects are expected to begin no earlier than June 2, 2027, with completion required by June 30, 2029. A webinar will be hosted for awardees within 30 days of selection to review next steps. This opportunity recurs annually and is part of Reclamation’s ongoing effort to enhance water efficiency throughout drought-prone regions.

Ensure project aligns with existing water management or conservation plans for maximum scoring; include detailed technical descriptions and cost justifications.